by the triyoga team
Coconut oil – the plant fat phenomenon with an abundance of uses! This deeply nutritious and tasty substance is made from the creamy white ‘meat’ of the coconut and is a true one ingredient wonder. We’ve put together our four favourite tried and tested uses for you to experiment with and enjoy…
1. All purpose ingredient. Coconut oil is an excellent healthy replacement for butter, or any cooking oil. Although it is still a saturated fat, coconut oil contains a type of fatty acids called Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) which are more efficiently metabolised by your body, boosting energy levels and keeping you going for longer. It also leaves a delicious subtle taste, making it an easy way to update and nutritionally enhance your favourite recipes! Frying salmon with plenty of coconut oil, Himalayan salt and lime juice is a winner and it’s also fantastic for sautéing mushrooms!
2. Facial cleanser. Use coconut oil to remove make-up and cleanse your skin at the end of the day. Smooth some over your skin and use warm water and a muslin cloth or flannel to gently remove any impurities. Using the cloth and warm water will help to leave your skin naturally exfoliated and glowing. To finish, sweep a small amount of coconut oil over your freshly cleansed skin to allow it to work its magic over night.
3. Body moisturiser. It’s not new news that coconut oil is incredibly moisturising for the skin, but replace your normal body moisturiser with a jar of this wonder ingredient for a week or two and take note of the difference in your skin. The best thing about using coconut oil as a moisturiser is that it contains only one ingredient, so you don’t have to worry about any unnecessary and harsh chemicals and fragrances unbalancing your skin.
4. Mouth wash. Oil pulling is a traditional Ayurvedic method for keeping the mouth clean. It involves putting a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth and allowing it to melt before pushing and pulling the oil between your teeth for about 20 minutes – you can give your teeth a brush afterwards! It is the Lauric acid in coconut oil which gives it its antibacterial properties and what makes oil pulling so effective in keeping the mouth clean, preventing tooth decay, plaque build-up, bad breath and gingivitis.
Be mindful when buying your coconut oil. Go for organic, unrefined and extra virgin oil to guarantee the product has been through the least processes, ensuring you reap its full benefits!
